This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Baseball series.
Baseball closes out the work week with a packed schedule Friday. There are a lot of top-tier pitchers in play and several lineups in positions to thrive, so there are various strategies that could be deployed in DFS. Let's dive into the matchups and highlight some of the better players to consider on Yahoo.
Pitching Overview
The first pitcher to target that immediately jumps off the page is Charlie Morton ($54) against the Tigers. He's had a fantastic first season with the Rays, recording a 2.90 ERA and a 2.79 FIP. He continues to be a strikeout machine, as well, with his 30.5 percent strikeout rate. The Tigers have one of the worst lineups in baseball, so expect Morton to be the chalk pitcher of the night.
Another top-tier starter in a favorable spot is Noah Syndergaard ($46) against the Royals. He's really shined during the Mets' push for a playoff spot, allowing four runs (three earned) across 21.1 innings in his last three starts. The Royals rank towards the bottom of baseball in most major offensive categories and remain without the services of Adalberto Mondesi (shoulder), making this a matchup to exploit.
If you're looking to go out on a limb in tournament play, starting Jon Gray ($36) despite the Rockies playing at Coors Field might be the route to take. He actually has slightly better numbers at home (3.88 FIP) than he does on the road (4.06 FIP) this season. Add in the benefit of facing the lowly Marlins' lineup and he could produce a valuable stat line.
Key Values/Chalk
Speaking of the Rockies, they are usually a chalk stack when they play at home. That should especially be the case against Sandy Alcantara, who has a 4.87 FIP and doesn't miss many bats, leaving him with a 16.8 percent strikeout rate. Outside of the big names like Nolan Arenado ($18), Trevor Story ($24) and Charlie Blackmon ($20), Ryan McMahon ($19) might also be worth considering. He enters with a .375 wOBA at home compared to a .297 wOBA on the road.
The Diamondbacks will continue their series with Giants in a matchup versus Jeff Samardzija. They've given him plenty of problems, scoring eight runs across 11.1 innings in two previous matchups. With Samardzija recording a 4.68 FIP on the road, the Diamondbacks could be in line for another productive evening. One of the most popular options on the team figures to be Ketel Marte ($21), who is having a career year with his .392 wOBA.
The Orioles aren't normally a lineup to pursue, but they might be worth considering with Rick Porcello on the mound for the Red Sox. In two previous games against him this season, they have scored nine runs over nine innings. Porcello has struggled against just about everyone down the stretch, allowing 42 runs over 45.2 innings in his last nine starts. Trey Mancini ($24) is the top player on the Orioles to target while Jonathan Villar ($22) and Anthony Santander ($22) also present intriguing options. Santander has been a bright spot since being recalled from the minors with his .350 wOBA.
Stacks
Red Sox vs. Aaron Brooks (Orioles)
J.D. Martinez (OF - $27), Rafael Devers (3B - $27), Jackie Bradley Jr. (OF - $15)
It's difficult to find something good to say about the way Brooks has pitched. He's continued to give up crooked numbers, allowing 23 runs (22 earned) and seven home runs over 16.2 innings in his last four outings. He also has a 1.41 WHIP for the season. Martinez and Devers carry a ton of power upside into this matchup while Bradley is a cheaper option to consider since Brooks has allowed a .370 wOBA to left-handed hitters.
Mets vs. Mike Montgomery (Royals)
Pete Alonso (1B - $17), J.D. Davis (OF - $21), Amed Rosario (SS - $16)
Montgomery was simply dominant in his last start against the Tigers, recording 12 strikeouts over seven shutout innings. However, that probably had more to do with the easy matchup than anything else. Heading into that start, he had allowed 20 runs (18 earned) and recorded a 1.82 WHIP over his previous 22 innings. Now he has to try and slow down the red-hot Mets. Alonso has the highest upside on the team with his immense power. Davis has a .376 wOBA versus southpaws and Rosario is swinging a hot bat, hitting 27-for-69 (.391) over his last 15 games.
Cubs vs. Joe Musgrove (Pirates)
Kris Bryant (3B - $18), Anthony Rizzo (1B - $16), Kyle Schwarber (OF - $16)
The wheels have come off for Musgrove down the stretch, leaving him with a 6.53 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP across his last six starts. With his meager 20.8 percent strikeout rate, he doesn't really have a lot of margin for error. Rizzo finally broke his home run drought Thursday while Schwarber continues to be an excellent source for power with his .262 ISO.
